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• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) vide Resolution, MEPC. 306(73) adopted amendments to the Guidelines for Ballast Water Management and Development of Ballast Water Management Plans (G4).

• The amendments requires Ballast Water Management Plans to include contingency measures in case a ship is unable to manage ballast water in accordance with its approved Ballast Water Management Plan to meet the D-1 or D-2 standard.

• The amendments refer to the “Guidance on contingency measures under the BWM Convention” published as BWM.2/ Circ.62 and were adopted on 26 October 2018.

• Based on above, Vanuatu Administration has issued Fleet / Safety Letter 022119.GEN (copy attached) providing Administration’s requirements in respect of BWM Plans for Vanuatu flagged ships as follows:

a. Prior to 26 April 2019, Ballast Water Management Plan is to be approved in accordance with Resolution MEPC. 127(53).

b. On or after 26 April 2019, Ballast Water Management Plan is to be approved in accordance with Resolution MEPC. 127(53) as amended by the MEPC. 306(73).

c. Ballast Water Management Plans approved as per MEPC. 127(53) need not be re-submitted for approval for compliance with the amendments (vide MEPC. 306(73)). However, the plans must include a new section for Contingency Measures not later than 26 April 2019, either:

i. As an annex to the existing approved plan; or

ii. By inserting a new section within the existing approved plans indicating the date of the revision.

(Compliance to above requirement will be verified at the first BWMC survey after 26 April 2019)

d. Ballast Water Management Plans (approved as per MEPC. 127(53)) which are revised on or after 26 April 2019 such as due to the installation of a Ballast Water Management System for compliance to D-2 standard must comply with the amendments vide MEPC. 306(73).

e. Vessels coming into the Vanuatu Registry with BWM Plans already approved by a Vanuatu RO need not be re-approved provided that they have been approved in accordance with the above instructions based on the existing approval date under the previous flag.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters of Vanuatu flagged ships are advised to be guided by above and the attached Safety Letter.

Enclosure:

1. Vanuatu International Ship Registry Fleet Safety Letter 022119.GEN, dated 21/02/2019.
2. IMO Resolution MEPC. 306(73)
3. 2/Circ.62 - Guidance on contingency measures under the BWM Convention

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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